Here and near
Have you any tips for teaching a dog to quarter? I’ve been looking online, but could do with seeing it in a few easy steps rather than paragraphs! Unfortunately I’ve let my spaniel do his own thing when hunting so any advice to get him working close would be greatly appreciated.
Graham says: Imagine you have a circle around you; your dog can hunt within that circle where you call or whistle him. Before he gets to the line, use a low hand signal and turn your shoulders in the direction you next want him to hunt. Repeat for either side and drop tennis balls (unseen) into the grass by your feet, then hunt him onto them.
Don’t walk forwards too quickly and start with lessons lasting no more than five minutes, gradually lengthening as you both make progress.